Last month I reported that replacement batteries for the original LCD version of the Steam Deck would return to the iFixIt store after a brief absence. Well, Valve sent more batteries, and you can purchase these replacements from iFixIt right now. Unfortunately, the replacement battery alone now costs $130.
Purchasing a new L-shaped battery without the kit bundle used to only set you back about $80. These new replacement parts for the Steam Deck LCD are still rated for 5200 mAh, and have the same 40 Wh capacity like the old ones, though they cost $50 more. That's a nearly 63% increase (via VideoCardz).
If you don't mind picking up a non-OEM part instead, iFixIt also offers an aftermarket version of the LCD battery for only 80 bucks. This was introduced as a stop-gap while Valve's batteries were out of stock, but they feature the same Watt and Milliamp Hour capacity.
It's also worth noting that you can purchase replacement batteries for the Steam Deck OLED from iFixIt too, though these still only cost $80. As it's for a newer model, the OLED batteries instead enjoy 50.08 Wh, and 6470 mAh. That's about 20% more capacity than the LCD Steam Deck, though its OEM batteries still cost $50 more.
As disappointing as it is, this price jump is perhaps unsurprising. For one thing, Valve quietly discontinued the LCD Steam Deck late last year. For another, in the midst of a memory supply crisis which is driving up the price of new gaming PC components by the day, more and more folks may be moving to fix up older hardware instead.
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